2010-07-01 16:41

China Unicom will launch the latest version of Apple's iPhone on the mainland market in the fourth quarter of this year, the National Business Daily reported.

The Chinese company is currently in talks with Apple to finalise details of the launch on its network, said the report.

Yu Yingtao, general manager of China Unicom's sales department, said the company expected to reach agreement with Apple before the fourth quarter, according to the report.

China Unicom officials were not immediately available for comment.

California-based Apple launched the much-anticipated iPhone 4 around the world to much fanfare last week, with fans queueing to get their hands on the new gadget in Japan, Europe and the United States.

It also plans to open the Chinese mainland's second Apple store in Shanghai's financial zone on July 10, nearly two years after the launch of the Beijing flagship store.